Diamondback DB15

I’ve got more information (and photos) of the new Diamondback DB15 rifles I first mentioned last month. After seeing them in the databases of a major gun dealer, I knew they were real, but I just didn’t have photos to share. That’s all changed now that Diamondback posted their pretty new AR’s online.

A variety of models are, or will be, available. Variations include different colors, handguards, sights and stocks. As can be seen in these photos, they will offer everything from a plain-Jane black M4-style rifle to a Magpul-equipped gun to a flat dark earth colored gun with a free float handguard.

At first blush, it appears the company has some nice models that should appeal to many black gun enthusiasts. Personally, I’d love to test drive the desert model shown, but with a Magpul CTR stock instead of the standard collapsible buttstock.

According to the company, the components are machined in-house on Diamondback CNC machines. It is not known how many of the parts are made in-house and what other bits and pieces are outsourced. For example, it would be safe to say that the lower receiver is rolling off a Diamondback machine. But, how about other parts like the trigger? The flash suppressor? Many manufacturers outsource a large number of AR parts, so Diamondback it would be completely normal for Diamondback to bring in a number of parts from the outside.

Information on the company website is sparse, but the Diamondback DB15 uses the standard direct gas impingement system. They are chambered for the 5.56. It is not known if other calibers will be available in the near future. Demand from customers would be the most likely motivator for the addition of new chamberings.

A Picatinny rail on the receiver seems to be standard fare across the line. Personally, I like the flat top receivers. I also prefer rifles with a folding front sight, which appears to be an option on several of the new DB15 rifles. Nice.

At the 2012 SHOT Show, we saw a prototype Diamondback 12 gauge shotgun, which we figured would be the next major product release from the company. However, it looks like we were wrong on that count. Regardless, the addition of a completely new product line suggests the company is healthy and expanding, which is a good thing.

We’ll be at the 2012 NASGW Expo next week and will hit the Diamondback booth to get more information and photos on these new DB15 rifles.

Prior Article on the New DB15

It looks like Diamondback Firearms is releasing an AR15 rifle to the market. At least, that is the rumor I am hearing.

Diamondback is known for their DB380 and DB9 pocket pistols, but was showing a prototype shotgun at the SHOT Show this year. So, producing an AR15 is not much of a stretch. The AR is probably the hottest selling gun on the market, and the production technology is pretty well a debugged process.

The question is: Will the Diamondback Firearms AR15 be interesting enough to consumers to sell? Lets take a look at the specs I have on hand.

Overall, the rifle seems to be pretty standard fare for a modern, semi-automatic AR15.

The barrel is 16″ with a black finish. It is chrome-moly lined and made of chrome-moly 4140 steel. The lower is a forged 7075 T6 aluminum receiver, and it is mated to an A3-style upper with a Picatinny rail. The guns are chambered for 5.56 NATO.

The buttstock, pistol grip and fore end on the Diamondback AR15 will be available in both black and flat dark earth colors. I do not know if the fore end will have any kind of rail system. The overall weight will be a little over 6.5 pounds.

The Diamondback AR will ship with a single 30-round magazine. While I dislike any semi-auto firearm shipping with a single mag, AR mags are relatively cheap and can be had in any number of flavors. A lot of shooters may prefer to buy their own anyway.

I am hearing the street price will be around $900.

I don’t know if the Diamondback Firearms AR15 will sell enough to be a profitable venture for the company. I do know that there are a lot of companies building AR platform guns, and that the market is likely tough to break into. A lot of gun buyers are leery about buying a black rifle from a company without a track record building the guns. Especially, when there are so many alternatives out there.

However, demand for the AR15 is still fairly high, and the guns are likely to be popular for many years to come. If Diamondback can start selling a few of these rifles, and good feedback hits the forums, sales of the guns could take off.

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About Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson is a gun writer, police trainer and really bad joke teller. Check out his other writing in Combat Handguns, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, on The Firearm Blog and at BlueSheepdog.

More competition usually means lower prices and greater availability. It also brings more thoughts and ideas into this very popular arena. I’ve liked what I’ve seen in the Diamondback pistols, and I’m interested in testing one of these models as well.

I know some may feel as if the AR market is too saturated, but I think the popularity and demand are only on the rise. Having more options is great for the end user, especially in these politically hot times. Should restrictions come back some manufacturers (especially AR-15 specific ones) may really feel the crunch and fold. But for now I’m glad to have the options around. And with Diamondback they have their pistols (and maybe a shotgun) to fall back on should the politicians limit our gun selections again.

Shane Smith

The db15 is a excellent rifle for the money, but there are some downsides the trigger group is poor at best and my gas key was not staked well at all on my BCG. My solution was a 4lb Timmney trigger, BCM BCG and a zero fail large latch charging handle and PWS 556 FSC muzzle break. Gun performs awesome with free floated barrel, awesome for end shoots a 6″ to 8″ group at 300 yards on a good day everything performs well. Now I know I made allot of modifications to the rifle with some serious money invested after initial buy of 850-900 but if u love workin on your own guns and customizing them to your needs for the tool ( which I do with every rifle). Great gun though great beginner ar for the quality to price ratio.

http://www.GunsHolstersAndGear.com Richard

Thanks for the detailed feedback Shane. I know a lot of people will appreciate it.

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